Was he right? Was Aurin just bothering her? Was she only being nice to him out of some odd form of pity? Doubt gnawed on the boy’s mind as Constans’ words played over in his head. Was it the truth? Was he the reason that she was so ostracized by all the other apprentices? Was it his entire fault? For a moment he nearly let himself cry. Physical pain wasn’t anything that bothered him, but the fact that he could be the cause of all that trouble for his only friend? That hurt much more than a kick to the ribs. Viciously he shook his head then. No. He didn’t believe this one. He was a bad person. He was a liar, and a cheat and a coward. Only a coward needed four people to hold down one. He rubbed his wrists as they hurt from Alpin’s ‘careful’ handling. Slowly he stood, unfurling himself to his full if not all that impressive height. He glared at the group of them silently, saying nothing for a long moment before his bright eyes focused on Constans again. He let the older boys words pass without comment. He knew there were four of them. He knew they were bigger. He knew they would thrash him if he did anything besides cry ad run away. He could see where it would end. He suddenly realized he didn’t care. This boy had threatened Beth. He had lied, tricked and betrayed him just because he had a flower. Just because he was different. He returned that glare before slowly he let his jaw set stubbornly. Blue eyes glanced towards the flower as it was thrown. “No.” He said slowly, his voice quiet but firm. “That’s what /you/ want me to do.” The strike was quick and vicious. The punch aimed right for Constans’ nose and with all the strength he could muster behind it. Bully groups were like snakes. If he could take out the leader…